Session Week Four
The crossover deadline is approaching, and this week has been a frenzy in the General Assembly as we work to pass bills out of the House. Committees have been meeting in the early morning and into the late evenings, pressing forward to complete as much work as possible before the February 7th deadline.
Passed the House:
On Thursday, two of my bills passed the House Floor unanimously.
HB 2038 extends enrollment of a state employee’s health insurance coverage to their incapacitated adult child who may live in a different residence than their parent, such as in a supported living facility or a group home.
HB 2041 permits localities to connect walking trails through easements by extending limited liability protection for private property owners that provide connections to their trails to localities and park authorities.
This issue was brought to my attention by Loudoun County. I was happy to work with them to update our laws so private property owners can have peace of mind to grant trail easements without liability concerns.
HB 2038 and HB 2041 will now advance to the Senate. I will keep you posted on the committee process as the legislation is introduced in the other chamber.
The Virginia Fast Food Industry Workers Standards Board: HB 2478
For far too long, workers have been left out of the decision-making process when it comes to the policies and standards that direct them. To work towards a more equitable workplace, I introduced HB 2478, that would establish the Virginia Fast Food Industry Workers Standards Board.
The board would be primarily charged with investigating the working conditions and compensation of fast food workers, ensure that these standards are comparable to other states, and offer recommendations to industry stakeholders.
Workers standards boards, wage boards, and safety and health boards have been in place in a variety of states for many years, including Minnesota, Washington, New York, and California.
Unfortunately, the bill was voted down 12-5 in the House Rules Committee in a party-line vote. I am hopeful that the introduction of this legislation will further the conversation around worker protections and empowerment.
ATM Fees Cap: HB 2485
Financial institutions are increasingly moving their operations online and closing brick-and-mortar locations. As a result, we are seeing a rise in “banking deserts” across urban, suburban, and rural parts of Virginia.
For many banking customers, this shortage creates a reliance on private ATMs, like those in gas stations and convenience stores. These ATMs can charge exorbitant withdrawal fees, sometimes as high as $10 per transaction.
My legislation would require private ATM network operators to register with the State Corporation Commission (SCC), limit standard withdrawal fees to $3, and eliminate charges for balance inquiries.
In a late night meeting in the House Commerce & Energy subcommittee, HB 2485 was rejected in a party-line 5-1 vote.
Constituency & Advocacy Meetings Recap:
On Monday, members of the Machinists Local 1759 union came to my office to discuss their legislative priorities. We discussed raising the minimum wage, preserving the minimum wage for working minors, and investing in workforce development programs like apprenticeships. I’m grateful for unions as they help keep our workers safe and our economy strong.
On Tuesday, I met with Jon, a retired teacher and now education navigator at Virginia Childhood Cancer Network (VCCN). VCCN provides support services for children with cancer and their families, like assisting them in the transition back to school. Jon and the other volunteers of VCCN are extraordinary people whose selfless work is an inspiration to all.
On Thursday, I met with members of the Asian American Business Owners Association. The association is composed of over 400 small business owners representing convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and hotels and motels. We discussed the ways the General Assembly can best assist in growing their businesses.
Recent Education Controversies:
“Accounting error” causes FCPS and LCPS funding shortfall:
Virginia’s public education system routinely ranks as one of the best states for education in the United States. Our public education system drives our economy, attracts families to our region, and keeps our children right here in Virginia when they start their own families.
Governor Glenn Youngkin claimed to be focused on education during his campaign, and made several crucial changes during his first months in office.
Unfortunately, his administration and the Department of Education has run into a series of controversies in past weeks that cast doubt on these supposed priorities.
Last Friday, the Secretary of Education, Jillian Balow, made a shocking revelation about an accounting error which negatively impacted aid to our local school divisions to the toll of $201 million.
For Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, that adds up to education funding cuts of $18 million and $10 million respectively.
Secretary Balow’s announcement rippled across the Commonwealth as local school boards and administrators scrambled to see how they could make up the difference. Even House Republicans took to the floor to address these problems and promise to fix the shortfall caused by the Governor’s administration.
The House Democratic Caucus is committed to fully funding local public school systems and making whole the funding cuts caused by the Governor.
Politicizing history (again) and false claims about Virginia AAPI Community:
The now-Republican controlled State Board of Education continues to revise history and social studies standards to reflect a right-wing political viewpoint that does not reflect Virginia’s complex history and diverse communities.
In addition to previously-reported revisions to eliminate curriculum on the election of President Barack Obama, the Department falsely claimed that they consulted with the Virginia NAACP and the Virginia Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Caucus (VAAPIC) on these changes.
This is simply not true.
“We were in no way consulted in the latest iteration of these standards. To imply that the VAAPI caucus’ input was solicited is disingenuous at best.”
– February 2nd statement from Caucus Chair Delegate Kathy Tran
You can read the AAPI caucus’ full statement here.
Announcements:
Virginia Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus Townhall
Next Thursday, join members of the Virginia Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus for our virtual Crossover Town Hall on Zoom.
Register here to join.
Sorensen 2023 High School Leaders Program:
The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, an organization that seeks to enhance the quality of state government, is seeking civic-minded students from across the Commonwealth to apply to the 2023 High School Leaders Program in Charlottesville. This program concentrates on studies in civics, youth leadership, and Virginia politics and government.
Applications close March 20th, 2023. Apply here or contact our office for more information.
Mason Enterprise Center-Herndon Opening:
The Town of Herndon has partnered with George Mason University and Office Evolution to launch an economic development program that serves small, entrepreneurial, and emerging businesses in the town.
To learn more about the business training and counseling services provided, click here.
The center will be hosting an open house for potential clients on February 16th at noon.
To RSVP to the event, click here.
Dranesville Strategic Planning Forum:
Fairfax County Public Schools is in the process of developing a new strategic plan. Part of that process will be gathering input from the public through virtual and in-person community forums across the county.
The Dranesville District forum will be Saturday, February 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Spring Hill Elementary School cafeteria. (8201 Lewinsville Road, McLean, VA 22102)
To register for FCPS’s Strategic Forum planning process, click here.
Stuff the Bus:
Fairfax County’s annual food drive is underway. The “Stuff the Bus” will be stopping in Herndon on February 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Herndon Safeway.
The 86th District in Richmond:
I look forward to meeting with constituents at the General Assembly. Visit us in Richmond at the Pocahontas Building: 900 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23219.
It is an honor to serve as your representative in the Virginia House of Delegates. My team and I are always here to assist you so please do not hesitate to reach out.
Call: (804) 698-1086 or Email: DeliShin@house.virginia.gov.